Genital Herpes Quiz
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Groin pain
Genital ulcer
Body aches
Skin rashes
Sores or ulcers
Burning when peeing
Painful urination
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
Body aches no fever
Fever and chills
Skin irritation
Dysuria
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Genital Herpes?
This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It causes small, painful blisters on the private parts.
Typical Symptoms of Genital Herpes
- Pain in my penis
- Pain or discomfort in the genital area
- Lump or bump on the penis
- Ulcers in the genital area
- Burning or painful urination with reduced urine volume
- Swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck, armpits, groin, or behind the ears
- Pain or burning during urination
- Bumps or swellings around the vulva/vagina
Diagnostic Questions for Genital Herpes
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have pain in your penis?
- Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your genital area?
- Do you feel any lumps on your penis?
- Do you have any ulcers in your genital area?
- Have you experienced burning or painful urination along with a decrease in urine volume?
Treatment of Genital Herpes
Although there is no cure for genital herpes, antivirals can help shorten recovery time. This can be administered through creams or oral medication.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Dec 6, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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How Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Genital Herpes quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Penis pain
- Pain around the vulva or vagina
- Penis hurts
- Lump on penile shaft
- Penis pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the genital area
- Painful intercourse
- Genital ulcers (private parts)
- Penile fracture
- Itchy bump on penis
- Vaginal pain
- Penile soreness
- Itching, burning or throbbing sensation on the penis
- Pain during intercourse
- Lump on penis head
See full list
User Testimonials for Genital Herpes
Female, in 20s
I loved how quick it was and the ease of understanding from the information it provided. Giving the warning signs to look out for was a huge bonus!
(Apr 24, 2024)
Female, in 30s
Compared to the WebMD Symptom Checker that I used, Ubie was very easy to use. I don't feel like anything was missing in regard to symptoms, and the results were easy to understand, too!
(Apr 21, 2024)
Female, 40s
I had a lump in the space between the genitals and anus. I did a general Google search and looked at some medical websites but couldn't find any information that I was looking for, so I came to the Ubie website. I liked that the output listed several conditons, clearly showing which of my stated symptoms line up with those conditons and which symptoms I do not have for each!
(Apr 19, 2024)
Symptoms Related to Genital Herpes
Diseases Related to Genital Herpes
FAQs
Q.
Persistent Stinging? Why Your Skin is Flaring & Medically Approved Genital Herpes Next Steps
A.
Persistent genital stinging, burning, or tingling often points to common and manageable genital herpes, especially if it recurs or comes before small blisters, though yeast infections, UTIs, contact dermatitis, and other STIs can cause similar symptoms. Medically approved next steps include prompt evaluation and PCR swab testing when sores are present, starting episodic or daily suppressive antiviral therapy, home pain relief, safer sex to protect partners, and urgent care if there is severe pain, trouble urinating, high fever, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand what sores look like, common triggers, how long outbreaks last, ways to reduce future flares, and how to choose the right treatment, since these details can meaningfully affect your next steps.
References:
* Ganesan P, Singh S. Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection: An Update. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2022 Jun;24(6):95-103. doi: 10.1007/s11908-022-00788-2. Epub 2022 Apr 28. PMID: 35501815.
* Workowski KA, et al. Genital Herpes: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management. Sex Transm Dis. 2018 Sep;45(9S Suppl 2):S169-S175. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000854. PMID: 30125867.
* El Khoury C, et al. Antiviral Therapy for Genital Herpes: An Update. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;32(4):817-831. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.06.002. PMID: 30372221.
* Johnston C, et al. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Immunobiology and Immunotherapeutic Strategies. Viruses. 2022 Jan 10;14(1):145. doi: 10.3390/v14010145. PMID: 35056627; PMCID: PMC8781682.
* Singh R, et al. Updates in the Management of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Dermatol Clin. 2021 Jul;39(3):367-377. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2021.03.003. PMID: 34185150.
Q.
A Woman’s Guide to Herpes: Symptoms, Relief & Next Steps
A.
Herpes in women is common, manageable, and treatable; symptoms can range from tingling, painful genital blisters, burning with urination, and flu-like feelings to being very mild or unnoticed, and it can spread even when no sores are visible. Antiviral medicines plus simple self care provide relief and reduce transmission. Your next steps depend on factors like pregnancy, how often you flare, and protecting partners, so consider a symptom check and see a clinician for exam, swab or blood testing, and to choose episodic or daily suppressive therapy. There are several important details and cautions that could change what you do next, including when to seek urgent care and how to prevent transmission; see below for the complete guidance.
References:
* Looker KJ, et al. Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. N Engl J Med. 2020 Jul 16;383(3):283-284.
* Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187.
* Fatahzadeh M. Clinical Manifestations of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Dent Clin North Am. 2023 Apr;67(2):167-179.
* Gupta R, et al. Diagnosis and management of genital herpes simplex virus infection. BMJ. 2021 Mar 15;372:n502.
* Fatahzadeh M, et al. Genital Herpes: A Review of the Disease and Its Management. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 May;11(5):18-24.
Q.
Cold Sore Relief for Women 30-45: Fast Healing & Next Steps
A.
Fastest cold sore relief for women 30 to 45: start prescription antivirals at the first tingling, add docosanol and pain-relieving topicals, and use cold compresses, rest, hydration, and SPF lip balm to speed healing and reduce discomfort. There are several factors to consider, including triggers like stress and hormonal shifts, when to use daily suppressive therapy, how to prevent spread, and red flags such as eye symptoms or sores lasting more than 2 weeks, plus guidance on oral vs genital symptoms; see the complete details below.
References:
* Al-Mohrej OA, Al-Qattan H, Al-Sunaidi J, Al-Sohaimi M. Management of herpes labialis: an update in 2021. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 Jul;46(5):821-827. doi: 10.1111/ced.14695. PMID: 34181050.
* Habib M, Gontic E, Sidor A. Preventive Treatment of Recurrent Herpes Labialis: A Review of the Literature. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Jan;15(1):E53-E60. PMID: 35058784.
* Khatri I, Sharma D. Efficacy of Topical Antiviral Creams on Treatment of Herpes Labialis. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2019 Sep-Dec;23(3):360-363. doi: 10.4103/jomp.jomp_12_19. PMID: 32377317.
* Bensouda K, Tazi M, Zroudi M, Benomar A. A systematic review of current treatments for herpes labialis. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Jul;124(4):101481. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101481. PMID: 37409555.
* Lookinland S, Limaye AP, Gottlieb GS. Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Recurrent Herpes Labialis: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Mar 16;325(11):1195-1205. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.0478. PMID: 33734035.
Q.
Genital Herpes in Women: Symptoms, Management & Vital Next Steps
A.
Genital herpes in women is common and manageable, with first outbreaks often causing painful blisters, itching or burning, pain with urination, discharge, and flu-like symptoms, while later recurrences are usually milder and shorter, and transmission can occur even without visible sores. Treatment centers on antivirals like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir using episodic or daily suppressive therapy, plus safer sex steps and special pregnancy guidance; next steps include pausing sexual activity, getting tested, discussing treatment, and telling partners, with urgent care needed for severe symptoms or during pregnancy. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more.
References:
* Johnston C, et al. Genital herpes: A review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Mar;86(3):614-621. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.11.054. Epub 2021 Dec 2. PMID: 35165985.
* Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1. PMID: 34293522.
* Gupta R, et al. Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. JAMA. 2023 Apr 4;329(13):1111. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.2372. PMID: 37024190.
* James C, et al. Management of herpes simplex virus infections. Aust J Gen Pract. 2020 Jun;49(6):326-331. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-09-19-5079. PMID: 32468307.
* Moratti E, et al. Psychological and social impact of genital herpes on women: A systematic review. J Reprod Med. 2020 Jan-Feb;65(1):15-28. PMID: 32014782.
Q.
How can I tell the difference between chapped lips and a cold sore?
A.
There are several factors to consider to tell chapped lips from a cold sore: chapped lips develop gradually with dryness, flaking, and small cracks (no fluid-filled blisters) and improve with moisturizers, while cold sores (HSV-1) start with tingling then form painful, clustered blisters that weep and crust over 7–14 days and are contagious. For triggers, best treatments, prevention tips, and when to seek care, see the complete guidance below.
References:
Arduino PG, & Porter SR. (2008). Herpes labialis. Clin Dermatol, 18313560.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients… Journal of Hepatology, 30092170.
Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. (2013). Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that… Gastroenterology, 23502378.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Vestergaard T. [Genital herpes]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2018 May 14;180(20):V01180024. Danish. PMID: 29798750.
https://ugeskriftet.dk/videnskab/genital-herpesGupta R, Warren T, Wald A. Genital herpes. Lancet. 2007 Dec 22;370(9605):2127-37. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61908-4. PMID: 18156035.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(07)61908-4/fulltextGarland SM, Steben M. Genital herpes. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Oct;28(7):1098-110. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.07.015. Epub 2014 Aug 4. PMID: 25153069.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521693414001394?via%3DihubManagement of Genital Herpes in Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletinacog Practice Bulletin, Number 220. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 May;135(5):e193-e202. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003840. PMID: 32332414.
https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2020/05000/Management_of_Genital_Herpes_in_Pregnancy__ACOG.53.aspx